The India-Maldives relationship had caught a cold, but it is China that is prescribing the medicine for the island nation. Cocking a snook at Indiaâ€™s medical diplomacy in Maldives, the Peopleâ€™s Liberation Army Navyâ€™s hospital ship â€˜Peace Arkâ€™ has been anchored from Saturday off the coast of Male as part of its â€˜Mission Harmony 2013â€™ tour of eight Asian countries, including India.

The 10,000-tonne ultra-modern Chinese vessel is the largest ever hospital ship with 300 beds and eight operation theatres. The ship is said to be too big to be docked at Male, and hence is anchored some distance away. For the first time, China is intruding into the medical aid sector in which the Indian government has so far had no competition.

Indian medical diplomacy in the Maldives began in 1986, when Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi promised to build a medical complex in Male. After nine years, PV Narasimha Rao formally inaugurated a 200-bed hospital named the Indira Gandhi Memorial Hospital (IGMH). It is operated by the Maldivian government, but with the help of substantial Indian funds. Eighteen years on, Indiaâ€™s most visible symbol of bilateral assistance has become worse for wear, and is overstrained under an increasing patient load and decrepit infrastructure.

In 2010, the Maldives government cancelled a contract with Apollo hospitals to take over the management of IGMH, after the latter asked for more financial resources. During Prime Minister Manmohan Singhâ€™s visit to the Maldives for the SAARC summit in November 2011, India committed Rs 37.24 crore, which was reiterated when the new Maldivian president Mohamed Waheed visited India in May 2012. However, an Indian tender issued last year for the renovation of IGMH was cancelled, since it attracted only a single applicant.

In the meantime, Indiaâ€™s relations with the Waheed administration deteriorated after the Maldives, on November 28, 2012, unilaterally cancelled Indian conglomerate GMR Groupâ€™s contract to operate and develop the Ibrahim Nasir International Airport in Male. India postponed sending the last tranche of medical aid, as well as put some development projects on hold until the new government takes over after the September 7 presidential elections.

However, in October 2012, Defence Minister A K Antony inaugurated a 25-bed military hospital, called Senahiya, built with Indian assistance. Last month, a six-member team of Indian army doctors travelled to remote Maldivian islands and set up medical camps. Following an SOS from the Maldivian government, India also urgently rushed an anaesthetist to Senahiya. But like most government-run Indian medical facilities, IGMH suffered from various maladies like rodent infestation and severe shortage of trained staff. Maldives National Defence Force, meanwhile, stated that Chinaâ€™s â€˜Peace Arkâ€™ will provide better medical facilities and services than IGMH. Ironically, it will be at IGMH and Senahiya that the Chinese armyâ€™s medical staff will be treating patients, while several of its doctors will fly to nine islands scattered across the Indian Ocean.

New Delhi considers the Indian Ocean as its strategic backyard and is worried about the escalating spread of the Chinese navy in the region. Chinaâ€™s footprint has increased steadily in the Maldives. It established an embassy in 2011. Chinese tourists account for more than one-fourth of all foreign travellers. Defence contacts between Maldives and China have increased, fuelling Indian concerns about Chinese intentions, since Maldives straddles important sea-lanes on the Indian Ocean.

Why does the Indian media display concern at the intentions of a Chinese humanitarian mission? Why do they report with the implicit assumption that any of the hearts and minds in the IOR aligned with China pose a threat?

Also, given that the Maldives straddles sea-lanes in the IOR, a large chunk of Chinese shipping goes through the IOR, and the IOR, by the GoI's own admission, is international waters, aren't such Chinese activities perfectly legitimate? Does China have no right to secure its shipping in the IOR?

Why does the Indian media display concern at the intentions of a Chinese humanitarian mission? Why do they report with the implicit assumption that any of the hearts and minds in the IOR aligned with China pose a threat?

Also, given that the Maldives straddles sea-lanes in the IOR, a large chunk of Chinese shipping goes through the IOR, and the IOR, by the GoI's own admission, is international waters, aren't such Chinese activities perfectly legitimate? Does China have no right to secure its shipping in the IOR?

Click to expand...

Because the Chinese have never before shown such 'humanitarian' concern!

However, Chinese are fast learners.

They are copycatting Project HOPE (Health Opportunities for People Everywhere) which is an international health care organization founded in the United States in 1958 with its most visible aspect was the SS HOPE, the first peacetime hospital ship.

The Hospital ship SS Hope

Notwithstanding, whether it is for strategic reasons or otherwise, the Chinese ship will bring succour to the people and it is an excellent way to showcase China to the impoverished people of the world.

If India sits pretty and expect that all will 'love' India, then the Indian Govt is living in a Fools' Paradise!

Because the Chinese have never before shown such 'humanitarian' concern!

Click to expand...

China has displayed strong humanitarian assistance to other nations - both through the UN, and unilaterally, ever since the mid-80s. What's more, what does it matter what "concern" the Chinese show? If you want to ascribe negative motives to humanitarian aid, it is up to you to prove your assertions.

China has displayed strong humanitarian assistance to other nations - both through the UN, and unilaterally, ever since the mid-80s. What's more, what does it matter what "concern" the Chinese show? If you want to ascribe negative motives to humanitarian aid, it is up to you to prove your assertions.

I am thoroughly impressed by your off the cuff assertion, though would like to be convinced.

I am aware that they have supplied weaponry in Africa to bring 'peace', as also how kind the Chinese entrepreneurs have been to the African labour. Good Samaritan, what?

I have no requirement to show any negative motives of China. Is it not so evident for all to see? How come it has suddenly got so concerned about the Maldives? Could I state that they were suffering for a long time and China remain blind.

However, now that there is turmoil in Maldives, Chinese are opening their eyes!

Why does the Indian media display concern at the intentions of a Chinese humanitarian mission? Why do they report with the implicit assumption that any of the hearts and minds in the IOR aligned with China pose a threat?

Also, given that the Maldives straddles sea-lanes in the IOR, a large chunk of Chinese shipping goes through the IOR, and the IOR, by the GoI's own admission, is international waters, aren't such Chinese activities perfectly legitimate? Does China have no right to secure its shipping in the IOR?

Click to expand...

because china is humanitarian to nations where its sees opportunity according to its interests

Why does the Indian media display concern at the intentions of a Chinese humanitarian mission? Why do they report with the implicit assumption that any of the hearts and minds in the IOR aligned with China pose a threat?

Also, given that the Maldives straddles sea-lanes in the IOR, a large chunk of Chinese shipping goes through the IOR, and the IOR, by the GoI's own admission, is international waters, aren't such Chinese activities perfectly legitimate? Does China have no right to secure its shipping in the IOR?

Click to expand...

yes they are totally legitimate and no concern is there regarding taking away the maldivian patients away from indian doctors or health service provider/ the major issue is that these activites are not seen as an isolated act of kindness but a strategic move by the chinese to increase the influence in territory close to india. no body likes a new contender in his own area- normal natural law.
regarding securing the lane- what chinese are doing is in their own interest but given the indo-china relationship are not so comfortable the deployment could be used against india in case of war and at that time suhc satellite states, if go in support of china, would make things difficult for india. this is the reason why india and indian media is making such war footing on chinese act of kindness.

The chinese must realise that way back in 18th century a Sikh General went from Kashmir to Tibet and defeated all these Hans to conquer it. His name was Zorawar Singh. So Tibet belongs to India. In 1903, a small force of Indians under British captured southern Tibet and Lhasa which is to the north of Arunachal Pradesh. The entire Han army was defeated by just 3000 indian soldiers.So for last three centuries Tibet has been part of India. In 1962 we lost big time due to the stupidity of Nehru. In 1967 we comprehensibly defeated them in Nathu La.
If these third rate Hans are looking for fight, let them have it. We will teach these monkies a lesson once again.

The chinese must realise that way back in 18th century a Sikh General went from Kashmir to Tibet and defeated all these Hans to conquer it. His name was Zorawar Singh. So Tibet belongs to India. In 1903, a small force of Indians under British captured southern Tibet and Lhasa which is to the north of Arunachal Pradesh. The entire Han army was defeated by just 3000 indian soldiers.So for last three centuries Tibet has been part of India. In 1962 we lost big time due to the stupidity of Nehru. In 1967 we comprehensibly defeated them in Nathu La.
If these third rate Hans are looking for fight, let them have it. We will teach these edited a lesson once again.

The chinese must realise that way back in 18th century a Sikh General went from Kashmir to Tibet and defeated all these Hans to conquer it. His name was Zorawar Singh.So Tibet belongs to India.

Click to expand...

First, it was in 19 century, the time China was busy in resisting colonial powers coming the east shore, not 18th century;
Second, a small skirmish involve couple thousands of troops in the Sulej and later ladakh, almost the borderline, you call that conquer?
Third, he was defeated by Chinese-Tibet troops and most of his officers were killed as well as himself
Forth, if tibet belongs to india, how come his successor signed the treaty with Chinese to gurantee the transportation on Ladakh road?

In 1903, a small force of Indians under British captured southern Tibet and Lhasa which is to the north of Arunachal Pradesh. The entire Han army was defeated by just 3000 indian soldiers.So for last three centuries Tibet has been part of India.

Click to expand...

Oh, once again, our indian friends start to invent history. The victory was won over Tibet peasants, there was no Chinese army involved. In the treaty signed after BRITISH's victory, British promised:" "not to annex Tibetan territory or to interfere in the administration of Tibet". Didn't British told you that?

In 1962 we lost big time due to the stupidity of Nehru. In 1967 we comprehensibly defeated them in Nathu La.
If these third rate Hans are looking for fight, let them have it. We will teach these monkies a lesson once again.

Click to expand...

Yes, once again, India's "Great victory" in an skirmish unknown to the world except themselves. How many troops involved? How many Chinese soldiers killed or captured?

China has displayed strong humanitarian assistance to other nations - both through the UN, and unilaterally, ever since the mid-80s. What's more, what does it matter what "concern" the Chinese show? If you want to ascribe negative motives to humanitarian aid, it is up to you to prove your assertions.

Click to expand...

Absolutely true. The humanitarian aid shown to Tibetans is an example for the whole world to follow. Chinese aid to poor Pakistani beggars is unmatched and has resulted in that nation being a shining example a successful state built up with Chinese aid and US arms. The thriving port of Gwadar carrying oil to China on Chinese built locomotives is the envy of half the world.

Pre tested nuclear weapon designs in Pakistan and missiles in North Korea are examples of humanitarian assistance from China.

The chinese must realise that way back in 18th century a Sikh General went from Kashmir to Tibet and defeated all these Hans to conquer it. His name was Zorawar Singh. So Tibet belongs to India. In 1903, a small force of Indians under British captured southern Tibet and Lhasa which is to the north of Arunachal Pradesh. The entire Han army was defeated by just 3000 indian soldiers.So for last three centuries Tibet has been part of India. In 1962 we lost big time due to the stupidity of Nehru. In 1967 we comprehensibly defeated them in Nathu La.
If these third rate Hans are looking for fight, let them have it. We will teach these monkies a lesson once again.

First, it was in 19 century, the time China was busy in resisting colonial powers coming the east shore, not 18th century;
Second, a small skirmish involve couple thousands of troops in the Sulej and later ladakh, almost the borderline, you call that conquer?
Third, he was defeated by Chinese-Tibet troops and most of his officers were killed as well as himself
Forth, if tibet belongs to india, how come his successor signed the treaty with Chinese to gurantee the transportation on Ladakh road?

Yes, once again, India's "Great victory" in an skirmish unknown to the world except themselves. How many troops involved? How many Chinese soldiers killed or captured?

Yes, Indian army is so great on your mouth!

Click to expand...

Perhaps, it is you who needs to update himself:

Zorawar Singh turned his energies eastward, towards Tibet. As he had done in Ladakh, so too in the newly-conquered Baltistan, Zorawar recruited the Baltis in his army, which now had men from the Jammu hills, Kishtwar, and Ladakh. This five or six thousand strong army was divided into three columns that marched parallel into the unknown land of Tibet in May, 1841.

One column under the Ladakhi prince, Nono Sungnam, followed the course of the Indus River to its source. Another column of 300 men, under Ghulam Khan, marched along the mountains leading up to the Kailas Range and thus south of the Indus. Zorawar himself led 3,000 men along the plateau region where the vast and picturesque Pangong Lake is located. Sweeping all resistance before them, the three columns passed the Mansarovar Lake and converged at Gartok, defeating the small Tibetan force stationed there. The enemy commander fled to Taklakot but Zorawar stormed that fort on 6 September 1841. Envoys from Tibet now came to him as did agents of the Maharaja of Nepal, whose kingdom was only fifteen miles from Taklakot.

The fall of Taklakot finds mention in the report of the Chinese Imperial Resident, Meng Pao, at Lhasa

"On my arrival at Taklakot a force of only about 1,000 local troops could be mustered, which was divided and stationed as guards at different posts. A guard post was quickly established at a strategic pass near Taklakot to stop the invaders, but these local troops were not brave enough to fight off the Shen-Pa (Dogras) and fled at the approach of the invaders. The distance between Central Tibet and Taklakot is several thousand liâ€¦because of the cowardice of the local troops; our forces had to withdraw to the foot of the Tsa Mountain near the Mayum Pass. Reinforcements are essential in order to withstand these violent and unruly invaders''.

Zorawar and his men now went on pilgrimage to Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. He had extended his communication and supply line over 450 miles of inhospitable terrain by building small forts and pickets along the way. The fort Chi-Tâ€™ang was built near Taklakot, where Mehta Basti Ram was put in command of 500 men, with 8 or 9 cannon. With the onset of winter all the passes were blocked and roads snowed in. The supplies for the Dogra army over such a long distance failed despite Zorawarâ€™s meticulous preparations.

As the intense cold, coupled with the rain, snow and lightning continued for weeks upon weeks, many of the soldiers lost their fingers and toes to frostbite. Others starved to death, while some burnt the wooden stock of their muskets to warm themselves. The Tibetans and their Chinese allies regrouped and advanced to give battle, bypassing the Dogra fort of Chi-Tâ€™ang. Zorawar and his men met them at the Battle of To-yo on 12 December 1841â€”-in the early exchange of fire the Rajput general was wounded in his right shoulder but he grabbed a sword in his left hand. The Tibetan horsemen then charged the Dogra position and one of them thrust his lance in Zorawar Singhâ€™s chest.

The Sino-Tibetan force then mopped up the other garrisons of the Dogras and advanced on Ladakh, now determined to conquer it and add it to the Imperial Chinese dominions. However the force under Mehta Basti Ram stood a siege for several weeks at Chi-Tâ€™ang before escaping with 240 men across the Himalayas to the British post of Almora.

Within Ladakh the Sino-Tibetan army laid siege to Leh, when reinforcements under Diwan Hari Chand and Wazir Ratnu came from Jammu and repulsed them. The Tibetan fortifications at Drangtse were flooded when the Dogras dammed up the river. On open ground, the Chinese and Tibetans were chased to Chushul. The climactic Battle of Chushul (August, 1842) was fought and won by the Dogras who executed the enemy general to avenge the death of Zorawar Singh.

The Treaty of Chushul

On this auspicious occasion, the second day of the month Asuj in the year 1899 we â€”- the officers of Lhasa, viz. firstly, Kalon Sukanwala, and secondly Bakshi Sapju, commander of the forces of the Empire of China, on the one hand, and Dewan Hari Chand and Wazir Ratnu, on behalf of Raja Gulab Singh, on the other â€”- agree together and swear before God that the friendship between Raja Gulab Singh and the Emperor of China and Lama Guru Sahib Lassawala will be kept and observed till eternity; for the traffic in shawl, pasham, and tea. We will observe our pledge to God, Gayatri, and Pasi. Wazir Mian Khusal Chu is witness.

Absolutely true. The humanitarian aid shown to Tibetans is an example for the whole world to follow. Chinese aid to poor Pakistani beggars is unmatched and has resulted in that nation being a shining example a successful state built up with Chinese aid and US arms. The thriving port of Gwadar carrying oil to China on Chinese built locomotives is the envy of half the world.

Pre tested nuclear weapon designs in Pakistan and missiles in North Korea are examples of humanitarian assistance from China.

Click to expand...

And giving Mugabwe weapons and military hardware to Sudan against Darfur!

Totally delightfully macabre humanitarian assistance!

And looting African nations and its people is indeed very humanitarian.

Only thing is that they are now finding the Dragon's 'love' very stifling and a bit too much of love which is confined to robbing Africa of its rich resources!

Zorawar and his men now went on pilgrimage to Mansarovar and Mount Kailash. He had extended his communication and supply line over 450 miles of inhospitable terrain by building small forts and pickets along the way.@t_co@amoy@no smoking

Can the PLA, even today, dream of such a legendary feat inside India ? This feat is simply unparalleled & goes beyond the limit of human grit, perseverance & resolve.

Underestimate India only at your peril.

The only ones capable of subjugating India now is the ruling party & its henchmen who are already hellbent upon doing the job, on behalf of PRC.

So, you guys can take a chill pill. As long as the ruling party is at helm of affairs in India, who needs external inimical forces.